INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson might be going through competitors for his beginning job subsequent season.
So basic supervisor Chris Ballard intends to discover a credible challenger.
On Tuesday, Ballard mentioned he is in search of one other quarterback to push Richardson, who was projected to be Indy’s long-term starter from the second he was chosen with the fourth general choose within the 2023 draft.
“It is received to be the suitable man to create actual competitors,” Ballard mentioned on the league’s annual scouting mix in Indianapolis. “I believe it is good for the crew, I believe it is good for Anthony. Look, we drafted Anthony excessive, realizing it was going to take a while and we knew there was going to be some hiccups alongside the way in which.”
Richardson’s largest drawback by means of the primary two seasons has been staying wholesome.
He missed most of his rookie season due to a season-ending shoulder damage suffered in Week 5. Richardson missed 4 extra video games with accidents final season and was benched for 2 others so he might deal with making enhancements on and off the sector.
When he was on the sector, Richardson struggled along with his accuracy. He accomplished simply 47.7 per cent of his throws in 2024, the bottom of any NFL starter, and he is thrown 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his 15 profession begins.
However the Colts insist they have not sourced on Richardson. As a substitute, they consider including one other viable starter might pace up the educational curve, particularly provided that this might be his first wholesome offseason since coming into the league.
“I believe consistency is the most important factor,” coach Shane Steichen mentioned. “We have had these conversations, myself and him, about being constant. He is performed 15 video games, he performed 11 final 12 months and did some actually good issues, however we’re simply in search of the consistency, proper?”
Richardson actually has proven glimpses along with his robust arm, fleet toes and a strong six-foot-four, 244-pound physique, operating for 499 yards and 6 touchdowns final season.
Whereas his propensity to run has made him extra inclined to damage, the Colts do not actually need to discourage Richardson from utilizing a side that’s one among his finest attributes — particularly in a backfield that options Professional Bowl operating again Jonathan Taylor.
Indy believes that duo, when wholesome, will put main stress on opposing run defences.
The query is how lengthy it’ll take Richardson to trigger related nightmares for go defences. And the idea inside crew headquarters is that including one other potential starter might assist expedite Richardson’s development.
“I do know all of us need to see a completed product proper now,” Ballard mentioned. “I do, you do, followers do. All of us do. However I believe as he continues to progress, including competitors, I believe, will assist up everyone’s sport.”
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